Tuesday, October 30, 2007

It seems like I can always find other things to do, rather than do the things I should be doing. Like cleaning house. I hate to admit this, but I hate to clean. I'd rather do just about anything else and I usually do. That is, until it gets so bad, I can hardly stand it. Well, it's bad so I better get busy.

I found this yesterday when I was blog surfing and now I don't remember where I got it. So, if I got it from you, please let me know so I can give you credit. It might just be one that is on a lot of blogs, I don't know.

Hey, did you see that cute little hillbilly girl on my sidebar? That's me circa 1972 at the old age of 7. I came across that picture yesterday when I was looking at some photo albums. That is probably one of my favorite childhood pictures of myself. I think I must have been playing in the backyard with my brothers that day and I just came in and my Mom must have thought I looked pretty cute so she took this picture. Notice the funky 70's sofa in the background? I'm not sure, but that may have been the sofa I had in college. I know I had one similar. Ugh!

The other day I promised to post about a simple snack idea. I'm sure some of you out there probably have made these, but for those of you who haven't, here it is.

Quick and Easy Cheese Crisps

Take whatever kind of cheese you have and grate it. I used cheddar and monterey jack.

Place mounds of cheese on parchment paper. Oops, I ran out so I used some waxed paper, which works okay, just not as good as parchment. I put paper on a cookie sheet first so it is easier to transport to the microwave.

Place in microwave and cook on high for three minutes.Enjoy!

These are great to eat on their own (my daughter loves them) or they are good in salads or in soups instead of croutons.

Monday, October 29, 2007

Second place prize goes to Amy from Washington. Amy makes the most wonderful pillows and things. She sells them on ebay under user id Vintage-Home.

Congratulations to the both of you! Please email me with your mailing addresses so I can get your packages in the mail.

Thank you to everyone who left comments on my blog. I was so glad you stopped by to enter my giveaway. I had so much fun doing this, I will probably do another Christmas themed one soon, so please come back and visit again.

As I mentioned in my last post, Isabel and I had a great time at the Antique Expo in Portland on Saturday. We were both excited about the prospect of finding some great treasures and this show didn't disappoint us. We found lots of cute and wonderful little things even though we were on the look out for a big, "Wow" treasure. Here is what I got:

My first find was the two ticking pillowcases. They are so pretty and a pattern I didn't already have which is amazing since I have so many. I also got the picture frame, vintage floral stripe wallpaper, clothes pin bag, tiny bird cage (complete with bird poop), bag of misc. jewelry, bag of crochet pieces, two different wedding toppers, glass vials, roll of satin ribbon and eiffel tower thingy. Click on pic for a close up.

Vintage flowers were the theme of the day for me. Do you think I got enough? I think I went a little crazy, but I just love them. I even bought this crazy hat just for the flowers, but after bringing it home and putting it on a vintage hat stand, I kind of think I will leave it alone for now.

And finally, this crewel rug. I love the colors, not sure about the pattern, it is a little too busy, I think, but I wanted a rug here and this will do for now until I find something else. Or maybe it will grow on me.

Isabel's first purchase of the day. Vintage lace and a little religious booklet with beautiful floral pictures.

This booth had the most gorgeous French enamel stuff. Love this roses coffee pot. Isabel loved this salt container.

Randy from Madison Park was there. He is just the nicest guy ever and is opening his own shop in Sellwood, November 9th. He always has the coolest stuff. Isabel bought this rose covered dress from Randy.

And now for the funniest thing we saw at Exp. Isn't it cute? Love the chippy paint. I would have bought it for my wedding topper collection, but it was too much money.

Sunday, October 28, 2007

I made it to my 50th post! Yeah! Wow, how time flies when your having fun blogging. To thank you all for making blogging something I really love, I am doing a drawing for a fabulous goodies giveaway. So if you didn't comment on my last entry make sure to leave a comment today as I will be drawing a winner first thing tomorrow morning. Here is what the lucky winner will be getting:

large piece of rose fabric

bag of vintage greeting cards

vintage flower

little rose teacup and saucer

little black tole tray with pink rose

vintage postcard greeting cards

vintage calling cards

pink velvet ribbon

vintage seam binding

rose covered note pad

pink rick rack trim

pink satin ribbon

vintage rose

bag of vintage wallpaper hang tags

all in a roses hat box

*Plus, I will even add some bonus mystery goodies to the box

And to make it even better, the lucky winner of the drawing will also receive 10- 8 1/2 x 11 pieces of my favorite vintage wallpaper.

And, just because, I will draw another name for second place and they will receive a vintage wallpaper package and these cute tags.On Friday I did my run to Monticello and as usual, had to stop at a couple thrift stores along the way. This is what I turned up at two Goodwills and one Value Village.

Vintage picture frames, metal shelf thingy, four bags of buttons, wedding certificate, green tool box, wood stool, cherub lamp, bag of green thread on wood spools, cute wicker lamp shade, pink/white striped wallpaper (not vintage), vintage chenille bath rug, cool old mirror and this lovely lady. She is actually a lamp base. Not sure of age, but I thought she was very pretty and has wonderful crazing. I was amazed at how big she is.

Having a booth at Monticello is a good thing as it is a heavily visited mall. However, the downside is that when I go to clean up my booth, I have to check out what the other dealers have. Of course I always find things I just have to buy. This is what I found on Friday. I was pretty good, only bought small stuff and everything was very inexpensive.

Two rolls of vintage wallpaper, two pill boxes with roses, bag of vintage pillowcase lace trim, large vintage buttons, two goodie bags with vintage stuff, and a bag of vintage satin ribbon.

These two little pill boxes are for my collection. I was so excited to find them. The one on the left was priced $7.50 and was 10% off, the one on the right was $6.00 and was 20% off. What a deal. I will have to show you where they ended up on another post.

Isabel and I had a great time yesterday at the Portland Antique Expo. We found lots of treasures which I will share with you on my next post along with a yummy and simple snack idea. I will leave you today with a picture of the outside of my house when I came home yesterday. My cute husband took the kids to the pumpkin patch and brought home these decorations for the house. I was so excited as I have done absolutely no Halloween decorating unless you count the spider webs that I haven't cleaned off the front porch. Have a fabulous Sunday!

Thursday, October 25, 2007

Yesterday I spent frantically running around picking up stuff for my son's 12th birthday party. First stop, McDonald's to pick up a surprise lunch for the birthday boy. Then to school to deliver surprise lunch. Then to the $ store to pick up plates, cups, plastic tablecloth, etc. Then to Hallmark's to pick up confetti. Next stop Papa Murphy's to pick up pizza. After that, stop at Safeway to pick up cake and other needed items and then finally home to clean up a bit. Wow, I'm tired just writing this.

Birthday boy had 5 kids over for pizza, then we drove them over to Players, a bowling, arcade, restaurant, party place, where we bowled and played arcade games. We even got our own semi-private bowling room. It was pretty cool. Then we came back home to eat cake and open presents then everyone goes bye bye. I told both kids this year, no more birthday party sleepovers, I just can't handle it any more. Too much noise and drama and not enough sleep. Of course I got the expected, "why not, we'll be quiet" whines. Next month is my daughter's 14th birthday, but we haven't planned anything yet. I think she has a list of 10 girls she wants to invite, but I'm sticking to my guns with no sleepover.

Silly boy!

On Tuesday afternoon I got a call from VV saying I could come pick up my mystery desk. So I hopped in my car and off I went. I was so anxious to see what I bought. So, what do you think? I think it's pretty cute. I think I will sand it down a bit and give it some new paint. Whoever painted it forgot to paint the inside and it shows so I don't like it like that. But overall, I am pretty happy with it so I guess my implusive behavior paid off this time. It's a pretty old piece with dovetailed drawers. As you can see, it is already stored in my garage with other stuff on top. Funny how that happens. You clean out stuff and then fill it up again with more stuff.

Next post will be #50 so as I said before, I will be doing a giveaway. I will be pretty busy the next couple days so it will probably be on Sunday. I have been gathering goodies together and will show them on my next post so if you leave a comment today or the next post you will be entered in the drawing.

Isabel and I will be heading over to the Portland Antique Expo on Saturday. We are so excited as we always find lots of treasures when we go and have a lot of fun in the process. Will take lots of pictures to show you.

Tuesday, October 23, 2007

I was so happy to sell a few items yesterday, that I just had to go celebrate by visiting a few thrift stores. It was a beautiful sunny day (as is today) here in Oregon. First stop was to Goodwill where I found these cute vintage prints.

I also got some cookie cutters, a bag of old thread on wooden spools and four satin hangers. I am packaging up the cookie cutters in cute bags to sell at Monticello around the holidays. The thread and hangers I will keep. Haven't yet decided about the cute girl prints yet though. They do have lovely pink roses on them after all.

Next stop was Value Village where at first I didn't find much. I really am trying to be selective and I picked up a few things, but put them back. I eventually found a nice piece of floral fabric and then, while walking out, spied this cute little childrens table.

Love the chippy blue paint. For someone who is not a "blue" person, I sure seem to buy a lot of it. My bedroom, if you remember from past blog posts, was painted periwinkle blue when we moved in and I swore that it was the first room I was going to paint. Well, six years later and it is still the same. It actually works perfectly with my other colors.

Anyway, I'm standing in line at VV. They are very busy for some reason. Out of the corner of my eye, I spy a display of Halloween stuff on top of a desk/vanity painted a very soft light blue. The desk was draped with an ugly cloth so I could only see one side of it, but I could tell it was cute with carved legs and little casters on the bottom. I didn't want to draw attention to it, or lose my place in line, but I set my little blue table down and peaked under the cover quickly. It looked very cool, but I really didn't get to see it very well or the top at all. Back in line I ask the cashier, when it was my turn of course, if the desk is for sale. She says no, it is being used for a display right now, but eventually it will be put on the floor. I graciously tell her that I could pay for it now and pick it up after Halloween. She says I should talk to Phil about it and see what he has to say. Well, Phil is cashiering a ways down, so I pay for my two items and go wait in his line as I thought I would have a better chance if I wait in line as opposed to just barging up front to ask him. When it is finally my turn, I explain to him that I was sent to talk to him about the desk being used as a display, can I please buy it, I'll pick it up later. He goes to talk to someone else while I wait. Remember, they are very busy and it would have been easy for him to say, sorry, display only right now. But he comes back, after looking at the desk and tells me we can do it. I ask the price, (I know maybe I should have asked that sooner) and he tells me. Not really cheap by any means, but I just so happen to have a 20% off coupon, can I use it. Sure! So, I now own this desk/vanity which I haven't completely seen, but that I get to pick up next week. Hence the title of this post. Stay tuned for a picture of my prize.

I had little time left so I stopped by the Salvation Army Boutique store. All I found there was a cute white linen skirt with ruffles and lace. Wow, that sounds awful, but trust me. It's cute and the fact that it was my size means that I was meant to have it. I was happy to pay the $5.50 for it.

I was checking out Karla's blog the other day and spotted this blog. Beachy has a blogger craft challenge which is set to happen November 1st. I forgot the day and already did mine which I will post here 11/1. It turned out pretty cute, I think. If you feel so inclined, check it out. It was really fun. Now, I am really getting addicted to the whole collage thing and I love to be able to finally use some of the cool supplies I have been collecting. I am not a scrapbooker. Wish I was, but I just can't start another new hobby and I always felt that scrapbooking was such a huge time committment. A little overwhelming for me as I have piles and piles of photos in boxes and now on the computer as well. Making little collages is a nice, simple and quick thing to do. I am all about immediate gratification these days. ha ha That is one reason why I no longer make quilts. Loved doing them, they just took too long and I get bored easily. Well, off to visit my Grandma this morning. Have a beautiful day!

Monday, October 22, 2007

So, I was showing my sweet husband my blog post from yesterday and being the kind, supportive guy he is, he say's, "you're sharing too much information, someone is going to steal your identity." Well, I certainly hope anyone reading my blog would not be the kind of person to steal my identity and I told him this, but now I'm a little freaked out. Maybe I did share too much. I don't know, those were just the first things I could come up with that might be the slightest bit interesting. I guess I should be more careful in the future.

Anyway, it has been a busy morning already. I sold two beds, (the white one I pictured on my blog yesterday) and another one and the little pink rolling cart. Not too bad. I knew the white bed would go fast. I actually sold it to a sweet gal who has a shop in Portland called Flutter. I'm a little sad to say goodbye to that bed, but it has just been sitting around in my garage for a few years so it was time to go.

So, for my latest addiction. It's gift tags. Cute little embellished with vintage ephemera, ribbon, lace gift tags. I have seen so many cute ones featured on some of my favorite blogs that I decided to try to make some myself. Here is the result.

Click on pictures for a better view.

This is such a fun thing to do. I could spend the whole day making these, but I really need to get the house cleaned up. I also have about a million unfinished projects to complete, but these tags are just too fun. Maybe I'll go make some more.

Sunday, October 21, 2007

Michelle at I'm A Little Teapot tagged me to tell 7 facts about myself. The funny thing was, I was just thinking today that I should do a post where I share a little info about me. If you are a regular reader of my blog you already know some things about me. Such as, I love roses. I love to decorate and thrift store shop. I love spending time with my husband, son and daughter and I am a part-time lunch lady. I have a booth at an antique mall called Monticello with my very dear friend, Isabel. Here are some things you may not know about me:

1. I have a bachelor of science from Oregon State University in Hotel, Restaurant and Tourism Management. I worked for 6 years as a Hotel Sales Executive for Hilton Hotels, Red Lion Hotels, and Embassy Suites.

2. I spent a summer during college in Reno as a cocktail waitress at Harrah's Casino.

4. I was a cheerleader for 6 years starting when I was 10 years old for Pop Warner Football.

5. I was born in Long Beach, CA, but my family moved to Oregon when I was 12. After graduating college I moved back to Southern California for three years and then moved back to Oregon where I have lived ever since. Can't imagine living anywhere else even though I get the urge to move to a different house every couple of years.

6. I hugged a famous actor. Keanu Reeves was in my town filming "Thumbsucker" which most of you probably never heard of. Anyway, my friend Debra and I decided to go down to the movie set and stalk him. He was signing autographs for a group of fans and I pushed my way up to him and asked for a hug. I had to ask twice before he reluctantly gave me a hug. Not one of my most shining moments. The funny thing is, I am not really a very big fan of Keanu. I think he kind of stinks as an actor.

7. I have been married for 16 years to my adorable husband. We have been together for 20 years and are still very much in love.

I'm suppose to tag 7 others, but most everyone I know has already done this. So, if you haven't already been tagged, please feel free to do a post and list 7 things about yourself so we can get to know you better. Hope you liked my 7 facts.

On to other things. Both kids were at sleepovers last night so hubby and I had a breakfast date this morning. So much fun to sit and talk without interruption. We then came home and got ambitious cleaning and organizing the garage. Sent hubby to goodwill with a truck full of junk. Not good junk, but real junky junk. Took some pictures of some thing to sell on craigs list. I wish I could take them to the antique mall, but just no room. Here is just some of what I am trying to sell:

(Just got a call on this pink cutie, it may be sold by tomorrow)

Cool bed, huh? I have had it several years and it has been just sitting in my garage.

Before I forget, I got my order from Andrea at One Hundred Wishes yesterday. Look how cute everything is.The pink rose paisley fabric I got on ebay yesterday as well. I thought it looked cute with all of Andrea's goodies. Love the pink lollipop and the glue stick is so yummy smelling I just wanted to take a little lick, but I didn't. My glue eating days were over in 2nd grade.

I did use the glue stick today on a little mini tag project that I didn't get finished. I will try to finish up tonight or tomorrow and post some pictures. Hope everyone had a wonderful and fun weekend!

Friday, October 19, 2007

I'm so glad it's Friday. It has been a busy week and I am so tired. Just finished my lunch lady shift at the high school. Those gals are always so fun to work with. I was glad to be able to fill in for someone who had a family tragedy.

On Tuesday I sat with my Grandma while my Mom went to the doctor. My Grandma is 91 years old and recently had a stroke. She is getting better, but is having trouble speaking and has had profound memory loss. She is a sweetheart and I know this is so hard for her. She is tired and says she is ready to go. She moved in with my Mom and Pop last week and will most likely live with them for the remainder of her days. Since I live only a couple minutes from my parents, I have offered to help out whenever I can.

Wednesday brought me back to the dentist where I had to get a cavity filled. I can't believe that at 42 years old I have a cavity, two actually. The second one won't be filled until January as that was the soonest I could get in. After the lovely dentist appointment, I drove to Silverton to see my good friend Joy to give her a hand with stuff in her shop. She is getting ready for a big sale and a Christmas Open House. She has a lot to do, but I am not worried as I know she will pull it all together in time. She is amazing and her energy always surprises me. She is like the Energizer Bunny and never slows down. We had a very nice lunch with her oldest son, Dusty, who I had never met before.

Here are just few of the million cats Joy has hanging out at her house. How many do you see in this box? I think I counted five, but you can only see three heads.

As I am unable to go anywhere near a thrift store without stopping, I did manage to make a quick trip into the Silverton Goodwill. I'm so glad I did as I found two floral paintings, a cool copper colored tray, (perfect for fall decorating) and a cute pink rose pin. The large roses painting, rose pin and tray were all 50% off. Yeah!

Close up of the leaves on the tray's handle.Unfortunately I didn't finish any projects this week. I worked a little bit on another little French inspired project which I will share with you next week.

I love how a lot of bloggers like to do giveaways. How fun is it to get something cool for free? A lot of bloggers will do a giveaway at their 100th post. Well, that is just too long for me to wait, so I decided that I am going to do one on my 50th post which is coming up pretty soon. So stay tuned as they say. Details coming soon!

I almost forgot. Just wanted to give a shout out thank you to Becky for sending me the cute roses greeting on my sidebar. Thanks so much Becky, you are a sweetheart!

Monday, October 15, 2007

I don't have much time this morning for a long post. Got to go to the dentist this morning. Just thought I would show you my thrift store/antique shop finds from yesterday. I had to go to Monticello yesterday to clean up the booth and of course made a couple stops at Goodwill and Value Village. It's kind of hard to see in the picture, but this is what I got. Three vintage tins, green metal wreath frame, metal basket with handle, lots of cookie cutters, molds, vintage dog print, mountain oil painting, two decoupage bird houses, clip on candle holders, vintage clock, weird box, metal lamp holder, and lace and pink fabric pillow cover. All this I got at the thrift stores. At Monticello I got the two crinolines, fabric covered sewing box, tin box with painted lid, barbola picture frame and my big splurge was this:

I couldn't resist and have no place for it, but come on, pink paint under the white. Now how could I pass it up? I guess I will just have to find a place for it somewhere.

Here are some close up pictures of my booty. Oh, I forgot to mention the cute clip board and floral note pad. Click on picture for a better view of the sewing box. That is definately a keeper. The barbola frame I was thrilled to find as barbola if you see it on ebay can be very expensive. On the dog print the background had an aged look to it, kind of yellow. I got out the good ol windex to clean the glass and found that it was covered in a stain like substance. I thought someone had stained the glass, but my hubby thinks it was probably smoke residue. Anyway, it looks brand new now. I will probably list it on ebay. I have a bunch of stuff I need to take photos of for ebay listings. Well, my time is up and I gotta run, but I will leave you with this last picture taken from my front porch. Fall is definitely here!